Control for air conditioning systems



' March 1942- T. K. GREENLEE, 2,275,427 I CONTROL FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS Filed March 16, 1938 2 Sheets-Siieet 1 lNVE R Theodore Green/6e ATTORNEY-S Mai-ch 10, 1942. 'r. GREENLEE CONTROL FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS Filed March 16, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 E LR Gre enlee A NLML ATTORNEYS wratgqmx INVENTOR I Theodore A.

BY fwflwum,

| llulll- Patented Mar. 10, 1942 UNITED STATE S PATENT OFFICE common FOR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS Theodore K. Greenlee, Rockford, IlL, assignor to Barber-Colman Company, Rockford, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application March 16, 1938, Serial No. 196,104 7 Claims. (01. 236-41) cally, the on and off intervals being varied in.

a manner such as to maintain a uniform condition in the space. v

The general object of the present invention is to modify the cyclic operation in a control of the above character in a manner such as to improve the degree of uniformity with which the condition being controlled may be maintained.

Another object is to provide for disabling the cyclic control mechanism and permit the free flow of conditioning medium to the space to be conditioned until a supply of the medium becomes efiective in or adjacent said space.

A further object is to provide in a cycler control system a novel adjusting mechanism for facilitating adaptation of the system to the individual characteristics of the air conditioning installation to be controlled- Still another object is to provide a cycler con- -trol for building heating systems in which the periods are changed automatically with smaller increments of outside temperature change in mild weather than in severe weather.

The invention also resides in certain novel features of the cycler control mechanism which i'acilitate carrying out the foregoing objects.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which Figure l is a fragmentary view of a building equipped with a control embodyingthe present invention.

' Fig. 2 is a schematic view and wiring diagram.

While the control may be applied to various types of conditioning systems, it is especially useful in the control of so-called zone heating systems. Accordingly, the invention is illustrated in the drawings and will be described herein as applied to such use. It is to be understood, however, that I do notintened to limit the invention by such disclosure but aim to cover heat. Fluid heated in the boiler is conveyed through a main supply pipe 4 and branch pipes 5 to radiators 6 located in difierent parts of a zone of the building I, the fluid being returned through a pipe line 8. Other supply pipes may branch from the boiler outlet to supply fluid to other zones' of the building.

The flow of heated fluid to each zone is controlled by an individual regulating member oper-.

able according to its position to turn the supply ofheat to the zone on and off. While the regulating member may take various forms, such as a switch element or the like directly controlling the burner 2, a draft damper, a water circulator, it comprises in the present instance the member 9 of a valve 10 which is movable between open and closed positions to permit and interrupt the flow of heated fluid from the boiler to the radiators.

zone heating apparatus to correspond to the prevailing rate of heat loss from the zone as measured, for example, by the outside temperature. In addition, the invention contemplates disabling the cycler control, for example, after a period of night shut-down, so as to permit of a continuous flow of heating medium to the different zones and thereby quickly establish the conditions best suited for effective operation of the cycler control. Provision is also made for changing the lengths of the on and ofi periods in response to different increments of outside temperature during mild weather than in cold weather so that more accurate regulation of the zone temperatures may be obtained under .all weather conditions.

Herein, the regulatingvalve ID for each zone is actuated by a power operator ll comprising an electric motor l2 having a main winding l3 allv modifications and alternative constructionsof the direct radiation type, comprising a boiler I heated in any preferred way as by an oil burner 2 and constituting the primary source the valve.

and a rotor l4 connected by speed reduction gearing, l5 to a shaft 5 carrying a cam l1 which,

in successive half revolutions of the shaft, operates a follower l8 to alternately open and close The valve opening andclosing periods of the operator are initiated by closure of switches l9 and 20 respectively actuated by an of electromagnet 2|. Closure of the switch I!) completes a starting circuit for the motor l2 extending from a-- source 22 of alternating current through a conductor 25, the winding l8, a conductor 24, a switch 25 whichds closed by a cam 26 when the valve is closed, a conductor 21, the Y biased by a spring 88 in a direction to close the switch 28 so that the switch l8 will be held closed and the steam valve open only while the relay is energized.

Supplying of heat to 'the zone radiators intermittently is eifected in the present instance by a cycler or timing mechanism indicated generally at 84 comprising a series of switches 35 operated by cams 36 on a shaft 81 driven through appropriate speed'reduction gearing 38 by an electric motor 88 which may be of the alternating current type. The cams 36 are so shaped that the associated switches 35 will be-ciosed for difierent proportions of each revolution of the shaft 81. The switch 35' may, for example, be held-closed by its cam seven per centof each revolution, the switch 35' fifty per cent, and the switch 85 ninety percent, the other switches being graduated correspondingly.

The switches 25 are placed in active control of the magnet 2| one at a-time by the action of a selectively operable thermostatic adjuster indicated generally ,at 40. This mechanism comprises a plurality of contacts 4| arranged in a circular series for engagement by an arm 42 which assumes diflerent angular positions according to the prevailing rate of heat loss from 'the zone as evidenced, for example, by the preveiling temperature of the air outside of the building. Such changes are detected by a helically coiled thermostatic element 48 fixed at one end and attached at its other end to a shaft 44 which projects through the wall of the building and carries a contact arm 45 movable back and forth between two contacts 46 with which the arm cooperates to form control switches 47 and 48. The contacts 46 are carried by an arm 48 gable about the axis of the shaft 44 and cons uting the follower of a cam 58 fast on a shaft which carries the switch arm 42. This shaft is "driven through speed reduction gearing by a reversible induction motor 52 having a'n ain winding 55 constantly energized from the alternating current source 22. The direcmovement, the contact arm 49 will be moved radually by the rising surface of the cam 58 in a direction to open the switch 48. Such opening will occur when the cam has turned through an angle corresponding in magnitude to the amount of fall in the outside temperature. In a similar way, the shading coils- 54 are short-circuited and counterclockwise movement of the arm 42 is initiated in response to closure of the switch 41 by a rise in the outdoor temperature;

In such a case, operation of the motor continues until the falling surface of the cam has permitted the arm 48 to swing under the action of the spring '51 until the switch 41 has been opened at the higher outside temperature.

As a result of this follow-up action ,of the thermostatic adjuster 48, the switch arm 42 will gaged in succession as the outside temperature falls infive degree increments. The contacts 4| to 4| are made of greater arcuate length and are spaced farther apart than'the other contacts so as to be engaged in movements of the arm 42' Erees Fahrenheit below zero. Movement of the arm 42 is correlated with the outside temperature by proper shaping of the cam 50. The limit positions determined by the switches 56 correspond to the positions of the contact 4| and a contact 4 I I The stationary contacts 4| to 4| of the thermostatic adjuster are connected by conductors 58" to 58 to the stationary contacts of the corresponding cam operated switches 35 to 35 respectively. The movable contacts of the cam actuated switches are connected to a common conductor 58 which extends to one terminal of the valve control magnet 2|. The other terminal of the latter is connected to one terminal of the power line 28.

For a purpose to appear later, the lobes on 1 the earns 38, although made of different lengths in order to provide for step-by-step"adjustment of the lengths of the heat-on periods, are all positioned with their leading ends 88 in the sam angular position. Therefore, all of the switches are closed substantially simultaneously in the movement of the shaft 31.

In order to prevent delivery of heat or to reduce the rate of delivery to a minimum when the zone becomes overheated, a thermostat tion-of operation of the motor is controlled by 30 two sets of shading coils 54 and 55 which are short-circuited selectively by the switches .41 and 46 through conductors in which are interposed cam operated switches 56 for-limiting the range of movement of the shaft 5| by the motor 52.

When both of the switches 41 and 48 are open, the motor 52 is idle and the .position of the switch arm 48 remains fixed. In response to a fall in the outside temperature, the switch 48 will be closed by the thermostatic. element 48 thereby shortcircuiting the shading coils 55 and initiating operation of the motor in a direction to turn the switch arm 42 andthe cam 58 in a clockwise direction. As an incident to this is located at a representative point in the zone and provided with a switch 8| interposed in the energizing circuit for the valve control magnet 2|. For this purpose, the relay circuit is extended from the power line "through a conductor 62, the thermostat switch 6|, and a .con-,

ductor 53 leading to the arm 42 of the themestat adjuster. The thermostat 68 comprises a thermostatic element 64 carrying a contact tongue 65 which cooperates with a-stationary contact to form the switch 6|. A magnet 66 acting on the tongue 65 as an armature operates to cause movement of the tongue with a snap action. By suitable adjusting mechanism, the thermostat may be conditioned so that the switch 6| will be closed whenever the zone temperature falls below the maximum limit/ desired to be maintained in the zone and will be open whenever the zone temperature rises above this limit.

Instead of disabling the steam supply completely in the event that the zone becomes overheated as evidenced by opening of the thermostat switch 3|, it is desirable from the standpoint of comfort to the occupants of the zone to continue the supply of heat for short widely spaced intervals. Accordingly, the invention contemplates shifting the cycler control to the shortest on period switch 35 as soon as the room thermostat switch becomes opened. As an incident to such opening, which occurs with a snap action, a switch 61 of the thermostat is closed. Through a conductor 68, this connects the stationary contact of the switch 35 to the thermostat tongue thereby shunting out the thermostat I adjuster 40. With the circuits thus conditioned,

the steam valve will be opened during the small proportion of the time that the switch 35 is closed. As a result, short bursts of steam will be admitted to the zone so that the heating apparatus will be kept warm and normal circulation of the air continued.

To preclude a possibility of .the zone temperature falling below a low limit value, means is 'provided for causing opening of the steam supply valve independently of the cycler control. This means'includes a thermostat 69 associated with the zone thermostat B0 and having a switch '10 which is held closed by a magnetic detent Hv whenever the zone temperature to which a thermostatic element 12 responds falls below the. desired low limit value. The terminals of this switch are connected to the conductor 62 and by a conductor 13 to the conductor 59. It will be seen that whenever the switch 18 is closed, the valve control magnet will be energized tent 18 causes operation of the switch with a snap action.

Preferably, though not necessarily, the control by the thermostat I5 is exercised in a manner such that as soon as heat becomes available at the radiators and the control of the steam valve I8 is restored to the cycler mechanism, the latter will begin to execute one of its heat on periods. To this end, the surface thermostat 15, in addition to initiating opening of the steam valve; also operates in response to a call for heat by the thermostat 60 when the heating apparatus is cold to interrupt the operation of the cycler drive motor 39 with cam shaft 31 just beyond the position at which the then active cycler switch 35 is closed. ,This action is ob-' tained through the use of a magnetic relay 8| having a switch 82 biased to closed position by a spring 83 and held open when the relay is enerthrough a circuit in parallel with and independently of the main thermostat switch 8| and the cycler switches. The steam supply is thus turned on and so maintained until the zone has been heated above the low limit temperature.

After the heating system has been idle during the night or for a prolonged interval due to other causes, the radiators and the piping may become cooled to sush an extent that heat may not become available and be delivered to the zone during the first on period following closure of the room thermostat switch 6|.

objectionable degree under such conditions, the

invention contemplates disabling the cycler control so as to permit of a continuous flow of heated fluid toward the radiators until heat is available for substantially immediate transfer to the space being heated. This function may be performed in response to the building up of a predetermined temperature or pressure in one of the steam lines 5 at a point preferably adjacent one of the radiators or in response to rises in the temperature at such a point.

In the present instance, the disabling mecha nism includes a thermostat 15 arranged to detect a rise in the temperature of the steam pipe 5 to a predetermined value as evidenced. by openthermostat is set to respond. A magnetic de- To obviate the possibility of the zone becoming underheated to an gized. The energizing circuit for the relay winding extends from the power lead 23 through a I conductor 84, the winding 8|, a conductor 85, the thermostat switch 18, the conductor 59, the then active cycler switch 35, one of the conductors 58, a contact 4|, the arm 42, the conductor 63 the room thermostat switch 61, and the conductor 62 to the other power lead 28.

The switch '82 controls ing motor 39 which circuit extends from the power lead 23 through the motor winding 19, a conductor 80, the switch 82, a conductor 88, the wiper arm 81 of a rheostat 88, one side 89 or the other 90 of the resistance element of the rheostat, one of two switches 9| and 92, a conductor 93 to the other power lead 28. It will thus be seen that this circuit will be closed and the timing motor stopped with the active cycler switch 35 closed by the leading end portion 88 tinuously. Therefore, as-soon as heat becomes ill) effective at the radiators and the magnet 8| becomes deenergized to restore the control of the cycler -mechanism by starting its driving motor, a heat'on period will be executed immediately and a supply of heat will actually be delivered'to the zone without further delay.

The cycler control above described which operates independently of the zone temperature under normal conditions, that is, when the zone is not overheated, is well suited to the maintenance of uniform zone temperature provided that the characteristics of the cycler are propere 1y correlated with those of the particular heating apparatus and of the zone in question. Such correlation may involve quite accurate adjustment of the [lengths of the heat on periods measured by the cycler mechanism especially after the original installation of the control apparatus. To provide for such adjustment without the necessity of changing the cams 33, the invention provides a system for controllingthe speed of the timing motor 39 so that the heat on periods defined by each cam 35 may be lengthened or shortened and the intervening heat off periods correspondingly shortened and lengthened respectively, thereby varying the percentage of the time during which the heat will be turned.

on under the control of the cam. I a

The foregoing functions are performed in the present instance by the rheostat 88 previously mentioned acting in conjunction with a magnetic the circuit for the timrelay 95' which is arranged to be energized while the active cycler switch 85 is closed, that is, during the heat on period, and to be deenergized during the heat on! period. For this purpose, one. terminal of the relay is connected by a conductor 96 to the power lead 23 and the other terminal is joined by a conductor 91 to the conductor 13 which is connected to the power lead 28 in the manner previously described through the room thermostat switch 8|, the thermostat adjuster 49, and the active cycler switch 35.

When the relay is deenergized, a spring 98 act-' ing on an arm 99 biases the latter in a direction to close the'switch 9|. In this case, the portion 90 of the rheostat resistance between the wiper arm 81 and the terminal Hill is interposed in the motor circuit so that the motor speed and the length of the heat on period will be proportional to the value of this resistance. This value may be increased and decreased as desired by manually 28 and 82, room thermostat switch 8|, conductor I 83, arm 42, contact 4|, conductor 58', switch 35', conductor )9, switch 18 of the surface thermostat, winding 8|, and conductors 84 and 23. Energization of this relay opens the/switch a: and thereby interrupts the operation of the timing motor 39 with the cycler'switch 35! held closed by the leading portion III of its cam 38. With the parts thus conditioned, the cycler is disabled from interrupting the flow of heated fluid to the zone so that such flow continues at a maximum rate so. long as the surface thermostat switch 18 remains closed.

When heating fluid has become available at the radiators in the zone as evidenced by a rise in .the temperature of the supply pipe 5 at the point of location of the surface thermostat I5 to turning the wiper arm 81 counter-clockwise and clockwise respectively.

When the.active cycler switch 35 is closed, the

relay 95 is energized'causing closure of the switch 92. In this instance, the remainder 89 of the rheostat resistance is included in the timing motor circuit and the length of the heat-on period will be proportional to the value of this, resistance. The resistances 89 and 98, acting in conjunction with the relay 95, constitute separately operable devices for controlling the speed of the cycler motor 39 hich, except in the mid-p0- sition of the wiper 23 g, operates at different speeds during the heat Operation For, the purpose of explaining the operation of the control above described, let it be assumed the zone temperature is below the selected high limit value, forexample, '15 degrees Fahrenheit, established by the setting of the zone thermostat 88. The switch 8| is thus closed. Also, assume, that the parts are positioned as shown in Fig.2 after shut-down of the primary heater for a period of sufllcient duration to permit cooling of the riser thermostat 15 below its control point,

usually between 175 and 200 degrees. If the, prevailing outside temperature is twenty-five de-' grees, for example, the thermostat adjuster 48 will have positioned the arm ,2 on the contact Il thereby rendering the cycler switch 35' active.

Under the assumed conditions, the relay 8| would be deenergized due to the open condition of the cyclerswitch 35, operation of the timing motor 39 being maintained by the then closed switch 82. When the switch 35' becomes closedby its cam 86 in the continued rotation of the shaft 31,-the valve control relay 2| is energized to close the switch I9 and thereby initiate an opening movement of the valve operator II, this period being terminated when the regulating member 9 reaches full open position. Following opening of the'valve, heated fluid begins to flow through the piping to the radiators in the zone. The energizing circuit for the'winding 2| extends from the current source 22 through the power lead 23, winding 2|, conductor 59, then closed switch 35, conductor 58, contact IF, switch arm 42,- conductor-63, then closed switch 6| of the room thermostat, and conductors 62 and 28.

Closure of the cycler switch 35 also completes an energizing circuit for the winding of the timing motor control relay 8|. This circuit extends from the power source, through the conductors and heat of! periods. 5

rent. source through conductor 23, motor wind-' for the relay winding 8|, thereby permitting the switch 82 to close and establish the circuit through the energizing circuit for the timing motor. The latter circuit extends from the curing I9, conductor 8'], switch 82,-conductor 86, wiper' arm 81, resistance 39, switch 92,.which is' then closed due to energization of the magnet 95, and conductors 93 and 28. The timing motor runs at a speed determined by the setting of the rheostat arm 81 and the value of the resistance 1 89 when the high point of the cam 38 passes the follower of-the cycler switch the latter opens,

thereby interrupting the circuit of the magnet 2|, the switch 28 of which then becomes closed.

In response to this, a closing movement of the 145 immediately close the switch 9| valve operator II is executed and the valve remains closed while the cycler switch 35 remains open. Opening of the latter switch to initiates heat ofl periodalso interrupts the energizing cir; cult for the magnet 99 as a result of which the spring 98 operates to open the switch 92 and This withdraws the portion 89 of the resistance from the-timing motor circuit and interposes the portion 98 therein so that during the heat of! period; the speed of the motor is determined by the value of the resistance'99. V

So long as the room thermostat switch 8| remains closed, thecycler mechanism wilh oper ate in the manner above described to maintain the steam valve open while the cycler switch 35 is closed and closed while this switch is open.

As an incident to each change in the condition of the cycler switch, the switch arm 99 will be shifted under the control of the magnet 95 so that during the heat on periods, the resistance being controlled by the resistance 99 during the 89 will control the speed 01' the motor, this speed heat ofi periods. If. it is desired to change the temperature maintained in the zone by. operand correspondingly decreased during the heat on periods thereby increasing the proportion of the time during which the heatis maintained on. By shifting the arm in the opposite direcgiven cycler switch is in control is correspondingly shortened. Let it now be assumed that, due to operation of the cycler mechanism in the manner above described, the zone becomes heated to a temperature above the control point of the room thermostat 80. As a result ofthis, the switch 6| is opened and the switch 61 is closed. Closure of the latter: transfers the control circuit of the valve control magnet 2| to the cycler switch 36' which produces the shortest heat on periods. The magnet circuit then extends from the current source through the conductor 23, winding 2|, conductor 59, cycler switch 35, conductor 68, room thermostat switch 61, and conductors 62 and 28. 'Under these conditions, the heat to the zone will be turned on during the short interval when the cycler switch 35 is closed. As a result, the heating mechanism of the zone will be ply of said medium to said space and movable between on and off positions, a control device operable periodically in on and ofl periods to control the movements of said member and cause a now of the medium toward said, space during said -on periods and interruption of the flow during the oil? periods, an actuator for said device normally operating to change the position of the device periodically, and means closely associated with said apparatus to follow temperature changes thereof independently of the space temperature and operating when the temperature of said apparatus at a point adjacent said space kept warm and objectionable cooling of any part of the zone will be obviated. 1

During normal operation of the cycler control, changes in the outside temperature simply shift the control from one cycler switch 35 to another. For example, if the outside temperature falls to fifteen degrees, the thermostat adjuster 40 will operate in the manner previously described to position the switch arm 4 8 on the contact 4|. Thus, the'cycler control is transferred from the switch 35 to the swi h 35 with the result that the heat on periods lengthened in accordance with the shape of the cam 36*.

If during operation of the cycler control mechanism, the zone temperature falls below the low limit temperature, for example, 68 degrees for which the thermostat 69 is usually set, the switch 10 thereof will become closed and the steam valve will be maintained open continuously independently of the cycler control. In such a case, the energizing circuit for the valve controlled solenoid is from the current source through conductor 23, magnet 2|, conductor 59, switch I0, and conductors 62 and 28. When the zone temperafalls below a predetermined value to-stop-said/ actuator with said device in on position near the beginning of an on period.

2. The combination with apparatus for conditioning the air in a space, mechanism operable to turn said apparatus on and off intermittently,

a motor driving said mechanism, separate devices each adapted when in control of said motor to determine the speed of operation thereof and selectively adjustable to establish a plurality of different motor speeds, means controlled'by said mechanism for placing one of said devices in control of the motor during the on periods and the other device in control of the motor during the off periods, and a common actuator by which said devices may be adjusted in unison to increase the speed setting of one and correspondingly decrease the speed setting of the other.

'3. The combination with apparatus for heating the space withina building of, normally operating timing mechanism controlling said apparatus-to turn the heat alternately on and oil during selectively variable periods, thermostatic means responsive to temperature changes outside of the building and operable to adjust the relative lengths of successive on and off periods and thereby vary the average rate of heat supply inversely with outside temperature changes, and thermostatic means responsive to temperature changes inside of said building and operable when ture has again risen above the low limit value;

the control will be transferred back to the cycler mechanism by opening of the switch 10.

The control mechanism above described is also well suited to control a zone heating system by directly governing the control of the primary heater instead of the valve controlling the flow of heating fluid from the primary source to the zone. For example, if it is desired to control the burner 2 directly, the relay 2| would be associated with the usual burner controls in a manner I such as to initiate operation of the burner when the magnet is energized to close the switch I9, operation of the burner being interrupted when opened. In such an application, the surface thermostat 15 or other equivalent controlin strument plays an important part. This instru-' ,the magnet is deenergized and the switch It the inside temperature rises above a predetermined value to render said outside thermostatic means ineffectual and to adjust said mechanism for .continuance of the periodic supplyoi heat but at a predetermined lower average rate while the inside thermostatic means continues to call for less heat.

4. The combination with apparatus for conveying temperature changing medium to a space to be conditioned of, an electric timing motor, control mechanism operated periodically during operation of said motor to cause the supply of medium to said apparatus to be turned alternately on and off, switching means responsive to temperature changes of said apparatus and movable into either of two controlling positions, and a circuit controlled jointly by said switching means and said control mechanism and operable as an incident to turning on of said supply and upon said switching means being in one of said positions to discontinue the operation of said motor until the temperature of said apparatus has changed to a predetermined value. Y

5. The combination with apparatus for conveying temperature changing medium from a remotely located primary source to a space to be conditioned of, a timing motor, control means operated periodically during operation of said. timing motorto cause the supply of said medium to be turned alternately on and 011', means responsive to temperature changes'of said apparatus and having a member movable to either of two control positions, and mechanism controlling the operation of said timing motor and operable as an incident to turning on of said supply and upon said member being in one 0! said positions of, normally operating power driven timing mechanism operable to cause alternate interruption and resumption in the supply of heating -medium to said apparatus, means responsive to temperature changes of said apparatus and having two controlling positions, and means controlled jointly by said responsive means and said I timing mechanism and operable in response to;

turning on of the heat supply with said member in one of said control positions to interrupt effective operation of the timing mechanism and thereby defer timing of the heat on period until said member has been mpved to the other of said positions.

7. The'combination with apparatus. for conveying temperature changing medium from a remotely located primary source to a space to be conditioned of, a timing motor, control means operated periodically during operation of said timing motorto cause the supp y of said medium to be turned alternately on and oil, means responsive to temperature changes of said apparatus and having a member movable toeither of two control positions, mechanism controlling the operation of said timing motor and operable as an incident to turning on of said supply and upon said member being in one of said positions to interrupt the effective operation or the motor until the temperature of said apparatus and said responsive means has deviated to a predetermined value, said responsive means acting to initiate operation of the motor upon movement of said member to said other control position, and means operable irrespective of the position of said member to maintain said timing motor energized whilethe supply of said medium is turned oil.

THEODORE K. GREENLEE. 

